All of those horses who went for a few hundred dollars hurt my heart. Euthanasia is not the worst thing that can happen to a horse. If you have an old horse and you don't feel that you can let them live out their lives with you, please consider euthanasia. Don't send them off to an Auction with the Wishful Thinking that they will find a loving forever home. Sure, it can happen, but the chances are they are going to get loaded up on a big truck with a lot of other horses and shipped to the border. I find it offensive that people want to squeeze every dollar out of a horse and don't give a damn if that dollar is from a kill buyer. If you love your old horse, seriously consider blessing them with a safe crossing to the Rainbow Bridge.

@juliaforsyth8332

7 ай бұрын

Unfortunately a lot of councils won't allow horses to be buried and cremating is expensive. You are double doomed if you only rent or board.

@littlewiseowl4405

7 ай бұрын

@@juliaforsyth8332 Hi. We rely on a vet to administer EOL. Then hauler to a land fill for the exact reasons you site. The whole ending comes to about $750. So people who need money, compare $750 out, to $500 in. That is a big $$$ difference to them. I continually post for rescues to have a meaningful buy-out program so owners have another realistic option. $400 buy-out seems to be the magic number.

@maniwyatt6559

6 ай бұрын

Me personally if I had an old horse I would keep to their dying day, I would not euthanizes the horse.

@tammywooley2635

6 ай бұрын

Totally agree that if you have an old sick horse let them go. That is the last act of unconditional love you can give them. You will see them again when you cross over from this life to the next

@trishbluedorn1806

5 ай бұрын

Agreed completely! Thank you for mentioning that!

i bought a 30 year old mare to save her from the kill shed..she was being used as a brood mare and the guy said she couldnt produce anymore..so, he was getting rid of her. I knew NOTHING about her.I brought her home.She was a fantastic horse, she was bomb proof and knew how to do anything I asked of her. Her normal gait was a walk/trot. we had 6 wonderful years together, and she blessed me with a surprise pinto filly,almost 7 months later ! She was in foal when I bought her, and we had no clue..Her baby is now almost 20 years old and has always been a great friend, just like her mama. Old dogs make good friends too.. The old ones give a lifetime of service, just to be put in the auction, and no one wants them

@TheCleverCowgirl

2 ай бұрын

I bought one like that too! She was so skinny when I bought her I could not believe it when we found out she was carrying a baby!

This really illustrates the reality of buying horses to help and rehab them. Keep it up and God bless your efforts. Have a blessed week.

@TheCleverCowgirl

7 ай бұрын

Thank you! You too!

I am a brand inspector for a brand district about an hour or two from where this auction was so I am very familiar with it. Those TB horses probably came from the area about 25 minutes north of that auction as there is a place up there that breeds them and if they aren't race quality for any reason they get sold for dirt cheap at that auction. That auction is a great place to pick up project horses so long as you know what you are doing, which it sounds like you do. Sorry the little mare didn't work out for you and I hope you have better luck next time. There will always be more horses that need a restart in life under a kind hand so I am sure you will find the rehab prospect you are looking for.

@TheCleverCowgirl

7 ай бұрын

OOOoooo I do like TB's, I'll have to keep that in mind for when they start up again!

I've seen some videos from dog rescuers who go to crowded high kill shelters down South and bring dogs up north to be adopted. One of the women who chooses the dogs always has tears in her eyes the whole time. She knows that the dogs she doesn't choose don't have a good chance but she also knows she has limited space and resources. If a dog isn't likely to be adopted it takes up space that could have been used to save multiple others. The same goes for dogs that would wipe out their veterinary budget. You have to make the same decisions and I can't imagine how difficult that would be. I hope you don't let it weigh on you too much.

@TheCleverCowgirl

7 ай бұрын

Exactly, it is really hard to make those kinds of decisions!

@phyllisnunn2061

7 ай бұрын

I used to do this at our local shelters. I called it 'having a heart of steel' because as 1 individual there is no way you can help them all. So you have to walk past most of the dogs. But it's surely better than helping none.

@sunnyseacat6857

3 ай бұрын

I voulunteer at a cat rescue. None of the cats there are "put down." Some have been in this rescue for up to five years due to behavioral issues. I would take 20 cats if I could...and will one day get cats from a rescue - all the ones who are deemed unadoptable, usually the older ones or one-eyed cats, etc.

@user-gg6lr2lc1v

3 ай бұрын

​@@sunnyseacat6857I only rescue!!! Have had 6 🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈4🐕🐕🐕🐕🐦at 1 time! I have 2 cats 4 one litter box! I also scoop every time the potty, when hm.n 1st thing I do when I get hm. I found a tiny kitty in the middle of the road,just sitting there with evil 😈 going right over it?? Was on the way 2 place in the country, with 4 🐕 weighing 250 lbs all 2gether n my 2 go bird cage that is 2 1/2 feet wide.Have a SUV but full.Jumped out cars keep right going? 2 different men jumped out 2 stop traffic!!! Picked her up ,called a neighbor and dropped the baby off. When I came back, a week later took her 2 my vet n she was deaf n blind 😢😢😢😢 didn't stop her😂 I had 3 of my babies that were 🤪 was worried about kitty? Not 1 problem!!!! I take whatever I find on the road, always have! ❤❤❤

@Starry_Night_Sky7455

2 ай бұрын

Let me guess! They go to Texas to get dogs? What's happening in Texas is outright Third World negligence. Might be understandable in a Third World country, but not in a so-called wealthy nation. What's going on in Texas is pure negligence. Dog populations can easily be controlled by spay/neuter requirements and legally limiting who can breed dogs. If you look at shelters, typically you don't see feral looking mixes. Most of the dogs are generally made up of a few obviously intentionally bred dog breeds/types/or mixes. Usually, what we see are Pit Bulls, Shepherds, and Huskies. Well, they're obviously coming from intentional breeders. This whole problem can easily be solved by zero-tolerance laws in place. What's unusual is that in Norway, where it's not the norm to spay/neuter, there isn't a massive number of dogs in shelters. They don't have packed shelters. The whole issue of dogs being dumped in shelters stems from some human CULTURAL DEFECT going on across the South, especially in Texas. What's weird is that wealthy CALIFORNIA, obviously not in the US South is actually the WORST! California has the highest rates for kill facilities. It's like a lawless irresponsible dump there. You can find all kinds of careless backyard breeders in California. Since these people won't be responsible, hard laws need to be in place and enforced. Just throw more people in jail please, and don't feed them. Let those careless people experience punishment for the carelessness they burden everyone else with. It's insane how rescuers maximize every bit of energy and last dollar to pull dogs from euth lists in these facilities. I'm just not sure why this is even happening in 2024. Get rid of large breeders, get rid of backyard breeders (basically require licensing of breeders + hold them accountable). Make spay/neuter required unless someone gets a permit and PAYS to keep intact dogs. Make microchipping ID's a requirement that trace all owners and the breeder. I mean we put VIN numbers on cars. I'm sure a microchip can trace every home for a dog. Hold people accountable. This would reduce the overwhelming burden that rescue volunteers endure.

You made the best decisions you could with the information you had. I admire your levelheadedness in dealing with the realities of effective money, time, and resource management. Balancing all that with a desire to help and a compassionate heart is no easy task. I think you are doing a fantastic job. Good work.

@TheCleverCowgirl

5 ай бұрын

Thank you! It certainly is tricky to consider all the factors and not let your heart get carried away when you go to these sales.

My friend and I used to hold each other’s hands to prevent bidding on the impossibles ( no teeth, easily almost 30 😢). I think you are very clever and kind and you can’t save everyone………but you do save horses and that’s a lot ,considering that none of your horses end up in these situations. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, experience and videos 🤗

It always hurts when you have a tender heart. Thank you for all of your hard work to make a difference for horses who wouldn't have a chance otherwise. You're a sweetheart and so loved by those you save. How wonderful that the horses you can save, know what love feels like. That's what matters.

Sending you a loving hug from England. You are an awesome lady, my sincere respect x

I avoid auctions. Too heartbreaking. My horses are with me to the end.

I've only just started watching your videos. May I say that I admire your trainng techniques, the way you care for any horse in your care, and for always putting their condition first rather than pushing them too far too soon. You are an angel for treating your rescues with dignity. Bless you. I'll be watching and learning from you for a long time.

@TheCleverCowgirl

4 ай бұрын

Thank you! I am so glad you found me!

@SheilaHensley

4 ай бұрын

@@TheCleverCowgirl me too!! My biggest fear and worry is that horses suffer in cold weather. (I live in the South for heaven's sake) Your prep video was an education for me. There are ways to keep them safe and comfortable. Bless you again for easing my mind by sharing your experience and knowledge. Most valuable.!!

I’m so sorry about the mare and mule. They were both very sweet. I’m sure seeing your horses made you happier. That always works for me! You are so kind to them 😊

My heart always expands when I watch your videos. I love your voice and your honesty and vulnerability. Thanks for sharing your life with us. You do a beautiful job using decernment. I know it is painful for someone whose heart is as big as yours to leave a horse behind. I am thankful for the ones you do bring home. Namaste'

Ok, I love them all...but the mule got me. He’s lovely

…I could hear it in your voice. 😢 …Thank you for helping as much as you do, and I’m glad you had grateful horses to greet you at home. 🌾 🐴 …I like when you show us your lunch too. 😁 🍔 🍟 🥤

@littlewiseowl4405

5 ай бұрын

I love seeing the boots come out of the truck too! Lunch, yes!

Thank you for helping horses. 🕊

You do more than your part to repay your horse friends. You can’t save them all. That you want to, is special. You are special. Keep doing what you do, I’m sure your space in heaven is set.

What a beautiful place Montana is, with distant mountains and wide open skies.

The golden horse was stunningly beautiful and i love the grey donkey, they are All beautiful ❤ i hope they live good long lives.

Thank you so much for educating me...a complete novice who will never own a horse. I just love the engaging videos you produce.

Bless you for doing what you can. Sharing this information is so important to those who are unaware.

Your work, voice and commentary are like therapy for me. I wish I had a horse every time I see one of your videos. You seem like an angel.

Your self control is admirable 😊

😞 I know. I know that feeling too. I know the reality of many horses selling at once here in the Southwest too. But you do what you can, how you can and we can’t save them all. But you’re making a difference one horse at a time. 💞 Thank you for all you do!

You have an expression for the horses. "Has a good mind." You have a good mind.

Oh I so understand your feelings about that mare. And I'm sorry you missed out on that sweet draft mule. You're totally right, there will be more horses that need your help and are meant to go home with you. I really like your videos and look forward watching them.

God Bless you for saving 🐎 God comfort you when your heart grieves for some you cannot purchase 🙏

You've got a good head on your shoulders. Horses are a huge commitment of time and money and you're smart to keep in mind what you can realistically handle when going to auctions. It was nice at the end of the video to see the ones that you did rescue and seeing them healthy and happy and living a good life - that's what's important. Keep on keeping on. Thank you for doing what you do.

We are in the UK we have 25 horses ,2 AQH , 5 Exmoor ponies, An old Army horse who is cross Belgian Draft ,3 Dutch warm-bloods 1 very old bossy Shetland Pony and the rest are Hunters and various crosses , we have always rescued horses mostly from the Kill pens in Europe we dont re-home we keep them as the majority are old or have issues ,they are happy at the farm we have 120 acres of woodland and meadow that they can explore. Once a week some are taken to the local river or beach so they can swim . Its very expensive keeping horses and rehabilitating them but its so worth it.We work basically 14hrs a day 24/7 through all weathers like you. I just wanted to say thank tou for give your time love and compassion to these beautiful creatures. Our two quarter horses are my babies my grandfather used to breed them and i inherited Rumple whose now 20 and bought Sasha whose actually in foal shes 9 We are hoping for a Honey roan like its mamma !! xxx

@Annamay199

8 күн бұрын

That's lovely to hear!

My vet had said that many animal rescue owners burn out after about 7 years. Animal rescue is an emotional roller coaster.

This was so neat to come along with you. I love what you do,keep being fantastic 😊

Good video. I kind of feel like you do when I walk through a dog shelter and can't bring any of them home. It makes me a bit crazy. A lot of the dogs don't fit my lifestyle and don't get along with cats (I have one at home )...but they are still beautiful souls and deserve a good life.

@TheCleverCowgirl

7 ай бұрын

So true!

I am sorry for your pain over the little mare and the loss of the mule. I also feel bad over the mare. Your horses are beautiful. I’ve always wanted a horse but never had one. Thank you so much for your video! ❤️❤️❤️

My heart goes out to you!

I couldn't do this part of what you do. The rest of what you do is obviously very hard physical and tactical work - how to find new homes for horses, trips to the vet, paperwork, your other job, etc. Choosing and leaving horses and mules would do me in. I really admire you for all that you do. I'm glad that someone has the psychological fortitude to do it so that at least some of these animals are saved.

@TheCleverCowgirl

2 ай бұрын

It takes a lot of practice and self restraint for sure!

@ZebaKnight

2 ай бұрын

@@TheCleverCowgirl It's a great pleasure to watch what you do. I also really like how you talk. I like both the sound of your voice and your clear, direct delivery. Your horses take center stage, and your presence with them adds grace and continuity.

I hear and feel you on how hard it is to leave one behind. People don't seem to get we can't take them all. We can't save them all. We have to be realistic about what we are capable of and what we can afford. Retired dog trainer here again - I always had one I could for sure place and one that was an iffy. Some of the iffys spent their life out with me, and that was part of my budget. But only one at a time. Damn, it hurt. I always cry. Then I get into a pile of dogs and have some playtime and some sofa snuggles, and it helps.

This auction is pretty cool 👍😎!! You never know what you will find at an horse auction!! This video 📷📸 is just fabulous!! Well-made and Well-kept!! You guys are doing the right thing for these Majestic Equines!! Good Stuff!!

@TheCleverCowgirl

7 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@janetmarshall7171

7 ай бұрын

I certainly did!! Again, Thank you for everything that you do for these Precious Horses!!😁😁😁😁😁

Auctions are almost always upsetting to me. At least this kind of sale where there's lots of older horses that I just can't justify buying since I'd never be able to rehome them. That red mule broke my heart simply because he's exactly what I can't seem to find here in the south.

You can not take every horse. The money has to be spend wisely or you have to stop. By limiting yourself you make the difference for each horse, that you get. ❤

13:58 the mountians ❤

Love your auction videos. Thanks for posting!😊

You live in a beautiful place! Thank you for sharing your experiences

I’m so sorry you missed out on the mule! He was so sweet! That little mare was very pretty but there’s always next time, it wasn’t meant to be!

aww I'm so sorry for what you went through. I know it was probably even harder for you than you expressed. You are doing your best and your channel is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I love learning about horses.

@TheCleverCowgirl

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

I liked the mule. He or she seemed very friendly. I'm trying to make friends with two donkeys that reside at the stable where I volunteer. Some days I have luck with them and other days they aren't as friendly. I know they are getting to know me. They are in with three other horses. The horses all push around me and want attention. I don't like them invading my space but I don't know how to back them up when they are unbridled.

Did you look for the buyer afterwards? I wonder if you could have bought the mare from them. It is a good reminder to get home and see all the horses that are already counting on you ❤

@angelkotilainen

7 ай бұрын

I was wondering this too, I bought my 11 month colt off the meat wagon in the Uk. I had been late to the auction and someone told me the colt I was interested in had sold for £50 to the meat man. He did sell him to me but for £75 lol It's fine though, I was willing to pay more to give him life. I think the difference is my guy was young and wild but he had his whole life ahead of him. That mare she did give her reasons why it wouldn't work, she would find it very difficult to re-home her as she was in her 20's. I find it sad that someone had enjoyed that mare for 20 odd years then ditched her at an auction before winter. Definitely nobody's fault at the auction that her fate went downhill. It's sad that some people aren't responsible with their horses and retire them nicely or maybe they just can't afford it. Trying to keep an open mind but people can be a bit heartless with their own animals in my experience.

@TheCleverCowgirl

7 ай бұрын

I know they guy that bought her and he won't sell off the truck. :(

Love your auction videos. Hope you can find one in need of a home at your place soon, even if it’s temporary. That mule was adorable with sweet eyes.

I’m surprised you didn’t approach the buyer of the little mare and offer him a bit more. IF he was a trader or Slaughter buyer he/they would have eagerly agreed. I have bought several like that

@user-wj3ix6nz9j

2 ай бұрын

That's a good alternative. I'll keep that in mind.

Thank you again for sharing this experience. I found the way you came to your decisions very relatable and felt very sorry for you when it all did not work out. But then... it still would have been difficult to rehome a 20 year old horse. :( OTOH - a friend of mine once got herself a 20 year old horse when she started riding regularly, and it was (she said) the best decision she ever made, as it was a well-trained, well-ridden mare with a safe mind and she could learn from her, not the other way round. Had her for 6 more years, I think. But you certainly need to find the right person with the right workload and mindset for such a horse, and that might not always be easy. Btw - we have a saying that goes like "In life, you always meet twice" - so who knows whether this is true for the little mare here, too?

@maniwyatt6559

6 ай бұрын

Old horses are good for newbies.

I love your story and how take us on your journey. It’s clearly that you have. ❤️ heart for these amazing animals . May the lord continue to bless you and keep you.

What a tough day, I am so sorry. You do so much and I would have gone home to my horses as well and remembered what I have done for them. I rescued gelding 4 years ago that I still have and probably always will. He was medicated and did not show that he was lame. But, I have the funds to keep him so I take very good care of him even though I can't ride him. You do alot and your videos are very good. Thank you

Your heart is big, bless you

I’d love to have a good mule someday… a draft mix, to love and take care of and ride sometimes! My friend has a gorgeous all black one that’s just so fun!love your videos!!♥️‼️🥰☮️

U should ALWAYS b happy and satisfied w/the ones u do save.

I understand your feelings about that one mare. Of all the auctions I've been to, there's still one horse I'm so sorry that I didn't buy and that was about 25 years ago. Some of them really stay with you. Thanks for all you do.

Thanks for the video!

You live in a beautiful place

Hi! I love your channel, and you have been completely shifting my understanding of the equine world, I also teared up for the horses that sold for a few hundred, especially the thoroughbreds, but I wanted to encourage you because you are making a tremendous impact by what you do for these animals and what you share. I only have experience in the hunter jumper/ex racing Ottb crowds on the East coast, and you have inspired me if I ever have the opportunity to get back into the equestrian world to make it a point to save horses that have good outlooks and train them for show purposes so they can enjoy happy lives and ensure good value. So many equestrians have the means to take on project horses and put on show miles after training to add value for good homes and like me, I am sure many have no idea this is the reality in our own country and the impact we can create! For every video you share of this, I am sure many people who have means are much more aware and have begun thinking about the steps we can take to better the lives of the horses we share this world with

Thank you for sharing.🐴

Love your clarity and compassion ❤

@TheCleverCowgirl

7 ай бұрын

Thank you!

So happy I found this channel. Love what you do❤

Yes! Exactly what I needed to hear about the mules. I was leaning very heavily toward them. SOOOOO glad I found your channel. Sorta kindred spirits it seems.

Thank you for all you do for the horses. You are an angel.

Even after all the years it doesnt get any easier does it? 💞🤠🙏

I know very little about horses, but I think they're beautiful. This was VERY informative...and also pretty sad to know how many are left behind or killed. I am looking forward to seeing more of your channel!

I really appreciated this video! WoW I dont envy the hard decisions you have to make! You're a very smart lady, and though that looked like a really hard day, Everything happens for a reason! ❤🤗

You are worth a million. Such a treasure trove of knowledge.

I was really hoping the mule was coming with you. Please tell me that his sale price indicates he may be going to a good home!!???? Perhaps find out where the mare went, give them your contact info, if this horse sticks to your mind over and over. It sucks how too many people treat horses so poorly. However, I also understand budget restraints. Horses are potentially not cheap to keep. Some can be, but we all know vet bills can add up. You could just blow money on travel excursions and luxury cars and that would be no stress, by comparison, lol. Having said that, it is entirely possible to keep several horses nicely field kept on a "frugal" budget in good condition. I have friends that don't ride at all. They just keep a few field kept horses that retired from racing, or they offer their place for someone's retired horses. It's a nice life for those horses. It's peace of mind. This is how it should be! If someone gets a horse, they need to be invested for where that horse goes for life. I mean, what if it was all normal for men to dump their old wives for much younger ones obtained from East Europe or Thailand? Creepy isn't this? Well, that's how people use and abuse horses, then sell them with no invested interest in the horse's future when they're done. I find this appalling.

@TheCleverCowgirl

2 ай бұрын

He went to a good home!

You have such a good heart and do such good work. Your horses have a wonderful home. It wasn’t meant to be today at the sales, maybe next time. ❤xxx

Enjoy your passion, when I come cycling through your country I'd love to volunteer and help out people like your good self. Thanks for your time and effort

Crumbs… you are amazing ⭐️⭐️🇺🇸⭐️⭐️

Great video thanks!

You did your best…God bless!

Thank you for sharing your experiences. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Oof it’s a long time since I was at an auction. I would have been shedding some tears too.

Never wore spurs in 53 years, never will ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

I'm learning a lot from you. Thanks.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us ❤

Soo wonderful, what you do. It’s all well said here in the comments.

Awesome video as always. you will need to get you a lip chip reader in future as soon not just race horses will have it but other people are going to be using it for recording shots and pedigrees and other misc info .all racing associations will know be using chips after January 1st 2024

@TheCleverCowgirl

7 ай бұрын

I have one!

@littlewiseowl4405

7 ай бұрын

When large numbers of horses are purchased with 'other people's money (donations) it is much, much different than buying as a pro trainer with the I tent to make a profit vs giving away excess & unplaced horses away every so often. It is valuable to show the importance of level headed thinking so you can keep doing this difficult work.

My dad had a red mule that he bought very young and was his favorite riding (horse) mule until it died of old age, my father passed away a few years ago and missed the red mule all his life.

Great video! ❤

You have done a great job with your horses 🐎

It's so hard trying to make the right decision and do the best possible for the horses. The prices were crazy low. That you have those feelings just proves how you take training them to heart. What you do matters.

Keep your chin up!

Where/who do you sell your horses? can we get a video of all the backstories/updates of all your personal and in-project horses?

@TheCleverCowgirl

7 ай бұрын

I sell most of them locally. They are coming!

@SophieSomeone

7 ай бұрын

@@TheCleverCowgirl Ooh cool! I can't wait to see

This is rough. I would want to buy them all. I enjoy watching them and you 😊

That was a really brilliant video explaining how you choose your horses. Thank you. : )

Thanks for sharing this experience! I really appreciate it! What you do is very interesting and I really enjoy your videos❤

So many people get large animals and fail to consider the expense and regulations of that horse when it dies or has to be destroyed. We have been through this several times with our old horses and with other peoples.

thanks for sharing, I really enjoy your videos

Such a shame you didn't get to bring that Mare home or that sweet draft mule, sadly it wasn't meant to be this time....🐎

Heart breaking, but you are an Angel on earth

Interesting video!

I can't do horse sales. Too heartbreaking. Kudos to you

Love your videos and Nigel 🤩

I could not go to the auctions. My heart breaks.

Very interesting about the sale but you can't buy all of them

I have bought- and been given - many to keep them out of the slaughter pipeline.. all fat, feet trimmed by the ground they traveled, those appropriate for our business earned enough for all. A few found home. Then a ‘Karen’ decided I didnt deserve to have them. They all probably ended up the ‘the pipeline ‘ anyway. My heart aches… but I did what I could while I could.

❤